Genesis 8:18

KJV

And Noah went forth, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Noah {H5146} went forth {H3318}, and his sons {H1121}, and his wife {H802}, and his sons {H1121}' wives {H802} with him:

Complete Jewish Bible

So Noach went out with his sons, his wife and his sons’ wives;

Berean Standard Bible

So Noah came out, along with his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives.

American Standard Version

And Noah went forth, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons’ wives with him:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Records the momentous departure of Noah, his immediate family, and all the animals from the ark, signaling the divinely appointed conclusion of the Great Flood and the dawn of a new era for life on Earth. This pivotal verse underscores God's meticulous faithfulness in preservation and Noah's unwavering obedience, setting the stage for the repopulation and renewal of the world in accordance with God's sovereign plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic culmination of the flood narrative's preservation phase and the direct transition into the post-flood world. Immediately preceding [Genesis 8:18](/genesis/8-18 "Noah and his family leave the ark"), the text meticulously details the gradual receding of the floodwaters, Noah's sending out of the raven and dove to ascertain the dryness of the earth, and God's explicit command in [Genesis 8:17](/genesis/8-17 "God commands Noah to leave the ark") for Noah and all living creatures to "go forth" from the ark to multiply and fill the earth. Noah's act of "going forth" is thus a direct, obedient response to this divine instruction, marking the completion of the ark's purpose as a vessel of preservation and the beginning of a new chapter for humanity and creation. The verses that follow immediately describe Noah's first act upon leaving the ark: building an altar and offering sacrifices to the Lord, which leads to God's covenant promise never again to destroy all life by flood ([Genesis 8:20-22](/genesis/8-20-22 "Noah's sacrifice and God's promise")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative of the Great Flood, while unique in its biblical account, resonates with ancient Near Eastern flood myths, yet stands distinct in its monotheistic framework and moral emphasis. In a world where deities were often capricious, the God of Israel is portrayed as just, sovereign, and covenant-keeping. The act of "going forth" from a vessel of salvation into a renewed earth would have carried profound significance for ancient audiences, symbolizing a divine reset and the re-establishment of cosmic order. The enumeration of Noah's family members reflects the patriarchal and familial structures foundational to ancient societies, where the family unit was the primary vehicle for societal continuation and the transmission of heritage. Their departure marked the re-establishment of human presence on a cleansed earth, setting the stage for the repopulation of the world from a single, righteous lineage.
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 8:18](/genesis/8-18 "Noah and his family leave the ark") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **God's Faithfulness and Preservation**, demonstrating His commitment to His chosen remnant even amidst judgment, ensuring the continuity of His redemptive plan. Secondly, it highlights **Human Obedience**, showcasing Noah's consistent and immediate response to God's commands, a recurring motif throughout the flood account, from building the ark ([Genesis 6:22](/genesis/6-22 "Noah's obedience in building the ark")) to his departure. Thirdly, the verse marks a **New Beginning and Restoration**, signaling the end of divine judgment and the commencement of a new era for humanity and creation, foundational to the subsequent covenant established in [Genesis 9](/genesis/9 "God's Covenant with Noah")). Finally, the specific mention of the family unit underscores the **Importance of the Family** as God's chosen means for the repopulation and flourishing of humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **went forth (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to go (causatively, bring) out," this word signifies a decisive and purposeful exit. In the context of Noah, it underscores his obedient and immediate action in response to God's command, marking the conclusion of his confinement and the beginning of a new phase for humanity. This is not a casual stroll but a divinely directed egress, indicating the completion of one phase and the inauguration of another.
* **Noah (Hebrew, _Nôach'_):** Derived from the same root as the Hebrew word for "rest" (נוּחַ), Noah's name itself carries prophetic significance. He was the one through whom humanity found "rest" from the prevailing wickedness and judgment, and through whom a new beginning was established after the cataclysmic flood. His very identity is tied to the concept of cessation from turmoil and the establishment of peace.
* **wife (Hebrew, _ʼishshâh'_):** This term refers to a woman, specifically a wife in this context. Its inclusion, alongside "sons" and "sons' wives," emphasizes the preservation of the family unit as the foundational structure for the repopulation of the earth. God's plan for renewal centered on the family, with the wife playing an indispensable role in the continuation of the human race.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Noah went forth":** This opening phrase immediately establishes Noah as the central figure of action, highlighting his leadership and his direct, obedient response to God's command in [Genesis 8:17](/genesis/8-17 "God commands Noah to leave the ark"). His departure from the ark is not a casual exit but a divinely ordained step, marking the end of a period of judgment and the beginning of a new covenant era.
* **"and his sons":** The explicit mention of his sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—underscores the preservation of the male lineage, which is crucial for the repopulation of the earth and the continuation of the human family through their distinct lines, as detailed in the Table of Nations ([Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "The Table of Nations")).
* **"and his wife":** The inclusion of Noah's wife (unnamed in Scripture but vital to the narrative) emphasizes the preservation of the complete nuclear family unit. She represents the female lineage, essential for procreation and the establishment of new households, ensuring the continuation of humanity.
* **"and his sons' wives with him":** This final phrase completes the enumeration of the eight individuals preserved on the ark. The presence of the sons' wives ensures the continuation of humanity through their respective families, highlighting God's meticulous provision for the renewal of life on earth and the establishment of future generations.

#### Literary Devices
[Genesis 8:18](/genesis/8-18 "Noah and his family leave the ark") employs several literary devices to convey its profound significance. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, as the verse meticulously lists each category of human inhabitants who departed the ark ("Noah... his sons... his wife... his sons' wives"). This precise listing emphasizes the completeness of God's preservation and the foundational nature of the family unit for the new world. The act of "going forth" itself serves as powerful **Symbolism**, representing a new beginning, liberation from confinement, and the transition from judgment to a renewed existence. This verse also functions as a crucial point of **Narrative Progression**, serving as the definitive turning point from the flood's destructive phase to the era of repopulation and covenant. The simple, direct language of the KJV, mirroring the Hebrew, contributes to the verse's gravitas and the sense of a divinely orchestrated event unfolding.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Genesis 8:18](/genesis/8-18 "Noah and his family leave the ark") stands as a profound testament to God's faithfulness and the establishment of a new creation. Noah's obedient departure, following God's explicit command, marks the end of a world-altering judgment and the beginning of a divinely sanctioned new order. This act of "going forth" symbolizes not just physical release but a spiritual renewal, where humanity is given a fresh start under God's watchful care. It underscores the principle that God's preservation is always for the purpose of new life and the continuation of His redemptive plan, ensuring a remnant through whom His promises will be fulfilled.

* [Genesis 6:22](/genesis/6-22 "Noah's obedience in building the ark")
* [Genesis 9:1](/genesis/9-1 "God's blessing and command to Noah")
* [Isaiah 43:18-19](/isaiah/43-18-19 "God's new thing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 8:18](/genesis/8-18 "Noah and his family leave the ark") offers timeless lessons for believers today, particularly concerning patience, obedience, and embracing new beginnings. Just as Noah waited patiently for God's explicit command to leave the ark, even after the earth was dry, we are called to trust in God's perfect timing for new seasons and directions in our lives, rather than acting prematurely out of impatience or human reasoning. Noah's life serves as a powerful example of how simple, consistent obedience to God, even in seemingly small acts like waiting for a command to exit, aligns us with His divine plan and leads to profound blessing and purpose. This verse encourages us to embrace the new chapters God orchestrates, trusting that He has a purposeful design for every transition and that His faithfulness endures through all circumstances. It reminds us that after periods of trial or waiting, God often opens doors to new opportunities for growth, fruitfulness, and deeper fellowship with Him, as evidenced by the subsequent blessing and covenant in [Genesis 9:1-17](/genesis/9-1-17 "God's blessing and covenant with Noah").

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently waiting for God's clear direction before "going forth"?**
* **How does Noah's obedience in waiting and then acting promptly challenge your own tendencies toward impatience or self-reliance?**
* **What new beginnings or seasons might God be calling you to embrace, trusting in His faithfulness to lead you?**

### FAQ
**Why did Noah wait for God's command to leave the ark, even after the earth was dry?**

Answer: Noah's waiting demonstrates his unwavering obedience and profound trust in God's precise timing. Despite the earth being visibly dry, as evidenced by the dove's return with an olive leaf and then not returning at all ([Genesis 8:11-12](/genesis/8-11-12 "The dove with an olive leaf")), Noah understood that his departure, and the beginning of a new era for humanity, was not to be initiated by human assessment or convenience but solely by divine command. This highlights a crucial principle of dependence on God's word and timing for direction, rather than relying on outward circumstances alone.

**What is the significance of "his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives" being specifically mentioned?**

Answer: The detailed listing emphasizes the preservation of the entire human family unit, not just Noah as an individual. This underscores God's design for humanity to flourish through families and highlights the importance of the family as the foundational unit for the repopulation and continuation of the human race in the post-flood world. It shows God's meticulous care for the continuity of humanity through distinct family lines, from which all nations would eventually descend ([Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "The Table of Nations")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Genesis 8:18](/genesis/8-18 "Noah and his family leave the ark"), marking the exit from the ark into a renewed world, profoundly foreshadows the new creation brought about through Jesus Christ. Just as Noah and his family were preserved through divine judgment in the ark, emerging into a cleansed earth to begin a new humanity, believers are saved through Christ's atoning work, passing from spiritual death to new life in Him ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Newness of life in Christ")). The ark, a vessel of salvation that carried a remnant through the waters of judgment, serves as a powerful type pointing to Christ as the ultimate means of deliverance from the judgment of sin. Noah's obedient departure, leading to the repopulation of the earth, prefigures Christ's resurrection and the inauguration of His kingdom, through which a new humanity, redeemed and reconciled to God, is established to live in fellowship with Him in a world made new ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "New creation in Christ")). In Christ, we "go forth" from the old life of sin into the glorious freedom of God's children, called to be fruitful and multiply the knowledge of His glory throughout the earth ([Colossians 3:9-10](/colossians/3-9-10 "Putting on the new self")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 121:8

The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.